What is the procedure for an examination?
The examination begins with the doctor asking specific targeted questions about the beginning, development and character of the patient’s problems with subsequent investigation by touch and the testing of the joints, ligaments and muscles using manual techniques. The tests are aimed towards providing the doctor with sufficient information to determine the extent of any damage. During the medical examination, the patient stands, sits or lies on an examination table and must be prepared to expose the part of the body for the doctor to examine visually or manually. The examination may be intimate, depending on the character of the illness or injury. The conclusion of a clinical examination is a written report containing the history of the illness, a professional description of the manual and clinical examination and any additional examinations, a diagnosis or assessment of the patient’s condition, a recommendation for further treatment and a prescription for aids and medicines or a completed request for further treatment.
How long does an examination last?
The length of an examination varies from person to person depending on the individual character of the illness and the patient.
Will the examination hurt?
The examination may be uncomfortable depending on the character of the illness or injury.
How should I prepare for the examination?
The patient must bring to the examination all the results of previous investigations, imaging examinations and treatment from other doctors and any orthopaedic aids that they have.